Sister of al Qaeda captive sees "strain and stress" in his eyes

Saturday, December 28, 2013 - 01:42

Dec. 28 - Sister of the al Qaeda captive Warren Weinstein, says brother ''looks horrible, and you realize the stress he is going through'' after video released of him pleading for U.S. intervention. Jillian Kitchener reports.

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(SOUNDBITE) (English) WARREN WEINSTEIN, SAYING:
"It has been more than 2 years since I have been taken prisoner by al Qaeda..."
Warren Weinstein is a U.S. development worker -- kidnapped in Pakistan by al Qaeda in 2011.
In a video released Thursday, he is seen pleading to President Obama to help negotiate his release.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WARREN WEINSTEIN, SAYING:
"Nine years ago I came to Pakistan to help my government. I did so at a time when most Americans would not come here. Now when I need my government it seems that I have been totally abandoned."
Sister Claire Ellen Weinstein, reacts to seeing her brother's face again and hearing his words.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CLAIRE ELLEN WEINSTEIN, SAYING:
"You hear the strain and the stress in his eyes they are like fish eyes he looks horrible absolutely horrible... and you realize the stress he is going through."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) WARREN WEINSTEIN, SAYING:
"I'm now over 72 years of age. I'm not in good health. I have a heart condition. I suffer from acute asthma and the years have taken their toll."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CLAIRE ELLEN WEINSTEIN, SAYING:
"I know we can't trade hostages they keep asking for. I wouldn't want America to do that. They would just kidnap americans on an hourly basis or more. I know we can't do those things but I do want more pressure applied."
The 13-minute clip was issued by al Qaeda's media wing and posted on several news websites.
Claire thinks her brother was being coerced to say these words.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CLAIRE ELLEN WEINSTEIN, SAYING:
"You want him to live but if he's never going to come back I don't want him to be tortured for the rest of his life. And that's the one I cant come up with an answer for."

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